Can You Fly with Pets on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo. Service dogs fly free in the cabin. However, the rules are strict, and you must book in advance — you cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement.
This guide covers everything you need to know based on American Airlines' official pet policy, including what's allowed, what it costs, and what documentation you'll need.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin pet fee: $150 USD one-way
- Checked baggage pet fee: $200 USD one-way
- Maximum pet weight (cabin): 20 lbs (9.07 kg) including carrier
- Maximum pet weight (checked/cargo): 100 lbs (45.36 kg) including carrier
- Advance booking required: At least 48 hours before departure
- Minimum pet age: 8 weeks old
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before travel
- Temperature restrictions: No travel if outside 45°F–85°F (7.2°C–29.4°C)
- Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1
- Max pets per passenger (checked): 2
Cabin Travel: Keeping Your Pet With You
If you want your pet in the cabin during the flight, here's what you need to know.
What's Allowed
Dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin. Your pet must weigh no more than 20 lbs (9.07 kg) including the carrier. You can bring only one pet per passenger.
Important route restrictions: Cabin pets are not permitted on:
- Trans-Atlantic flights
- Trans-Pacific flights
- Flights to/from South America
- Flights to/from Hawaii
- Flights to/from Jamaica
For these routes, you'll need to use checked baggage or cargo instead.
Carrier Requirements
Your pet must fit comfortably in a closed, zipped carrier for the entire flight. Both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers are allowed, but soft-sided carriers are recommended for cabin travel.
The carrier must have:
- Nylon mesh ventilation on at least 3 sides
- An absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents
- Dimensions that fit under the seat in front of you (specific dimensions vary by aircraft — contact American Airlines to confirm your carrier fits)
Breed Restrictions
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are restricted in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. While American Airlines doesn't publish a complete list, common restricted breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar flat-faced dogs. If you have a brachycephalic breed, contact American Airlines before booking to confirm whether your specific dog is allowed.
Cost
Cabin pet travel costs $150 USD per pet, one-way. This fee applies to both dogs and cats.
Checked Baggage: Traveling in the Hold
If your pet is too large for the cabin or you're flying a restricted route, checked baggage is an option.
What's Allowed
Dogs and cats can travel as checked baggage. Your pet can weigh up to 100 lbs (45.36 kg) including the carrier. You can bring up to 2 pets per passenger.
Breed restrictions apply: The following dog breeds are not allowed in checked baggage:
- Affenpinscher
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pit Bull
- Presa Canario
- Pug
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tibetan Spaniel
For cats, the following breeds are restricted in checked baggage: Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair.
Carrier Requirements
Your pet's carrier must meet stricter standards for checked baggage:
- Hard-sided or soft-sided carriers allowed
- Ventilation on at least 3 sides
- Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
- Absorbent liner or mat inside
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate (required by IATA)
Temperature Restrictions
Pets cannot travel in checked baggage if the temperature at any point during travel is:
- Above 85°F (29.4°C), or
- Below 45°F (7.2°C)
Additionally, checked pets are not accepted to/from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs from May 1 through September 30 due to heat concerns.
Connection Restrictions
If your journey requires a connection, checked pets can only connect through these hub cities:
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Miami (MIA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Washington DC (DCA)
Cost
Checked baggage pet travel costs $200 USD per pet, one-way.
Cargo Service: For Larger or Long-Distance Moves
American Airlines offers a dedicated cargo service for pets through American PetEmbark. This option is suitable for larger animals or long-distance relocations.
What's Allowed
Dogs and cats can travel via cargo. Maximum weight is 100 lbs (45.36 kg) including the carrier.
Carrier Requirements
Cargo carriers have the strictest requirements:
- Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
- Ventilation on all 4 sides
- Attached water bowl or trough
- Absorbent liner or mat inside
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
- IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliance
Temperature Restrictions
Same as checked baggage: no travel above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C).
Cost & Booking
Cargo pet fees and specific booking procedures are handled separately. Contact American Airlines or American PetEmbark directly for pricing and availability.
Health Certificates & Documentation
A veterinary health certificate is required for all pets traveling on American Airlines, regardless of travel method. The certificate must be:
- Issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Dated within 10 days before your departure
- Confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
Important: If you're traveling to or from the United States, be aware that the CDC has updated requirements for dogs entering the US effective August 1, 2024. Check the latest CDC guidelines and confirm requirements with your destination country before booking.
Get your health certificate as close to your departure date as possible to avoid any validity issues.
Breed Restrictions & Special Considerations
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds
Most airlines, including American, restrict brachycephalic breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds are prone to breathing difficulties, especially in pressurized cabin environments. Learn more about flying with brachycephalic breeds.
Pregnant Animals
Visibly pregnant animals are not allowed to travel on American Airlines. If your pet is pregnant, contact the airline directly to discuss your options. Animals past 45 days gestation are specifically not accepted to Hawaii.
Sedation
Sedation is not allowed for pets traveling on American Airlines. Consult your veterinarian about calming techniques or anxiety management before your flight.
Service Dogs & Assistance Animals
Service dogs that meet American Airlines' requirements fly in the cabin at no charge. Service dogs are not subject to the same weight or breed restrictions as pet animals. We're still verifying specific documentation and pre-approval requirements — contact American Airlines directly for details on registering your service dog.
Special Rules for Military & Government Personnel
Checked pets are only available to active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel on certain routes. If you fall into this category, contact American Airlines for eligibility and booking details.
What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist
- ☐ Confirm your pet is eligible: Check breed restrictions, age (minimum 8 weeks), and health status. If brachycephalic, contact AA to confirm.
- ☐ Choose your travel method: Cabin (cabin only on domestic routes), checked baggage, or cargo.
- ☐ Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure. Confirm CDC requirements if traveling to/from the US.
- ☐ Book your pet at least 48 hours in advance: Call American Airlines or book online. Pets are limited per flight.
- ☐ Prepare the right carrier: Ensure it meets AA's ventilation, size, and labeling requirements. Include an absorbent liner.
- ☐ Check temperature restrictions: Confirm travel dates don't fall during heat embargoes (May 1–Sept 30 for certain Southwest cities).
- ☐ Verify connection hubs: If connecting, ensure your connection is through an approved hub city.
- ☐ Arrive early: Plan extra time at the airport for pet check-in procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet on a trans-Atlantic flight?
No. Cabin pets are not permitted on trans-Atlantic flights. You'll need to use checked baggage or cargo instead.
What if my pet doesn't fit in the carrier?
Your pet must fit comfortably in a closed, zipped carrier. If your pet is too large, checked baggage or cargo may be your only option. Contact American Airlines to discuss alternatives.
Can I sedate my pet for the flight?
No. Sedation is not allowed on American Airlines flights. Speak with your veterinarian about non-sedative calming techniques.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet?
Cabin travel: $150 USD one-way. Checked baggage: $200 USD one-way. Cargo pricing varies — contact American PetEmbark for a quote. Service dogs fly free.
What if I'm flying to Hawaii?
Cabin pets are not allowed to Hawaii. Use checked baggage or cargo. Pregnant animals past 45 days gestation are not accepted to Hawaii under any travel method.
Need More Help?
For detailed guidance on preparing your pet for air travel, read our dog travel guide or download our documents checklist. For cost planning, see our pet travel costs guide.
Get your free personalized travel plan from PawGo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.
Important Note
This guide is based on American Airlines' official pet policy as of April 2026. Policies can change, and specific rules may vary by route or aircraft type. Always contact American Airlines directly at their official website or customer service before booking to confirm current requirements and restrictions for your specific journey.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026
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